2.1 – Mindmap
The cyberpunk genre is a subgenre of science fiction, often, although not always, set in a future with high tech machines and technology. Most of the plots of any cyberpunk fiction features a dystopia, with social unrest, and the main character often working under cover during the crisis. Often, characters are portrayed with heavy machinery and technology, some with artificial limbs or other forms of technical components attached to them. Cyberpunk fiction is often set in urban cities, some depict them to appear similar to modern day Japanese cities.
2.2 Moodboards
Characters
Cyberpunk is a theme I struggled to research for, since I did have a rough idea, but not an exact idea of what the theme is suppose to present. Above are some images I found of cyberpunk and compiled into a moodboard. As stated from my initial mindmap research, a majority of characters from the cyberpunk fiction are normally hackers, rebels or rockers of sorts, and most usually have technical implants of some sort. This shows in the research I have found for cyberpunk characters, and I have also noticed that the character designs are often very dark, but have one bright, neon colour that makes them stick out. I quite like that idea, as I like the idea of how one colour can stick out, and the possibility of using that colour in many ways on the character, such as a symbol or piece of clothing, or any accessories they use.
Settings
Too look up locations that fit the cyberpunk theme, I went back to my research for my mindmap. A majority of the time, cyberpunk is based in a futuristic environment, with high-tech resources. Many Japanese cities have been described to have an appearance that would be similar to that of a cyberpunk environment, such as Tokyo, Shibuya and Osaka. Very much like the design of cyberpunk characters, the environments are generally dark, but are brightened by flashy neon lights. For personal interest, I also looked up possible cyberpunk style railway stations, which bare a similar appearance, of being dark but flashy.
Weaponry
For another moodboard, I decided to have a look at weaponry. Although not a field I am particularly fond of for I struggle with designing weapons, I thought I’d have a look to further understand the concept of cyberpunk. From looking at research of weaponry, very much like the rest of the research I have done, visually, they are dark in colour, with sudden stark of colour, almost neon like. I also like the idea that for some characters, they may have weaponry that is personalized to match their style. I also like how a variety of weapons can be used for battle, and can be linked with the cyberpunk theme, rather than the normal gun and sword, such as a whip, and a hammer.
Assets
For my final moodboard, I decided to do a compilation of research on various cyberpunk assets, in order to understand the scenery, style and visuals for that sort of theme. I looked at various sign styles, vehicles, and two other assets that remind me of advanced technology. Overall, it does show what could be visualised as technology in a couple of years time, or even newer forms of transport that currently don’t exist. I also noticed that they all share the stark colour theme, as I found with my other research.
Sophie Level 3 Games Dev 2nd Year 